So the other day I was telling a friend how good Gracie and I are at breastfeeding. We've gotten the hang of it and I remember thinking when she was about 3 weeks old that we would never get the hang of things! But we did, and I've been planning on going until she's six months old, then deciding whether we want to continue breastfeeding or just go to bottle feeding. When I told my friend that she said, "Six months!? Don't most women breastfeed until at least a year?" (Lisha do you remember this conversation?). The biggest pro of bottle feeding would be that I wouldn't have to pump in order to go somewhere. I would love to not have to worry about that! And I feel like six months is an alright age to make the switch. It just made me wonder how long most of you bloggers out there breastfed your children? And maybe some opinions on that? I'm wanting some feedback!
15 comments:
I breastfed both of my kids for quite awhile, Will was just over one when I quit and Aubrey was about 10 or 11 months. It's true it does kind of suck b/c you are attached to a leech and it's harder to go places. I just kind of liked it though and it made me feel sad to stop b/c it just seemed that my baby isn't a baby anymore. But if you are getting sick of it, I say do what you want!
I breastfed Brody for 13 months. My piano teacher just confessed to me that she is STILL breastfeeding hers and he's 2 1/2 years. That's crazy. Personally, I went till Brody was one because if I quit earlier than that I'd have to give formula. After one, they can have cows milk. SO, it saved a lot of money never giving formula. Really, he wouldn't need milk more than a few times a day after 6 months once they start eating solids.... so it wasn't THAT hard to nurse and stuff. Plus, I loved the bonding with him... and it's healthy, and burns a lot of calories for you too :p
do what you feel is best for you though!
I breastfed Noah until he was about 13 months, because his doctor had suggested that I do so until he was at least one year. At six months, though, he started solids and so he wasn't feeding nearly as often, but it sure was nice when he was finally all done! Anyway, you should do what works best for you and your baby. You are the mother. Trust your instinct and do what you feel good about.
I breastfed Brooklynn till 13 months, and really after 6 months breastfeeding is so easy. First off, they don't need to nurse as much, because at this point solids are starting. And second off, she had an early bedtime. I could put her down for the night as early as 6 or 6:30 most of the time. Most things I wanted to attend didn't start until after that anyway. The first year I couldn't leave her over night though. I would do whatever works best for you and your family. When you get to that point you'll know what to do.
I worked my guts out to breastfeed Tyler until he was 10 1/2 months because of his severe milk allergy. The formula was incredibly expensive ($26.99 for a small can) and I was too cheap to buy it--I'll fully admit that. If Jack doesn't have the same issues, I don't think I'll breastfeed that long. Pumping is just so hard while I am working full time. A nutritionist told me that up to 6 months is when the baby benefits the most from breastfeeding. Do what works for you guys. Good luck!
Isaac till 4 months old. Eli till 2 months. I personally love the bottle! Love my babies, but I need space and breast-feeding is suffocating. Just do what you can do!
I breastfed Julien until about 3-4 months and then pumped until he was about 8-9 months...ya that SUCKED! He just all the sudden decided he was done, but I felt so guilty not giving him breast milk and formula is So expensive so i kept pumping. I am pretty sure I wont be doing that again though. I was also told from a dr that 6 months is plenty. Breastfeeding is hard I think 6 months is a great goal!
I breastfed Emma for 14.5 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding for the first year or longer, as long as is mutually desired. I probably would have weaned her a little sooner than I did, but she was cutting a tooth and I wanted to wait until it came through before taking away her best source of comfort. As babies get older, they can go longer and longer between nursing sessions. So chances are, if you need to go somewhere as she gets older, you won't NEED to pump or anything first anyway:)
My daughter Megan was 6 months, Zach was 15 months, Nathan was 18 months and Kaleigh so far is 5 months. I plan to do a year but I know what you mean about the convenience of bottles. But once they eat real food, they don't drink as much and I really only breast feed at night and maybe twice during the day so I did have more freedom to go places.
Every mom and baby is different- so do what works for you. And really, I don't think any mom should feel guilty about it. Doing what you can handle best- makes you a happier and better mom.
I breastfed Emma until she was 13 months. The doctor recommended at least a year and it really was just easier. I didn't have to buy formula or bottles or worry about packing anything when we went somewhere. And really, after 6 months- they're eating solids and nurse a lot less often, so I never had to pump. If she did need to eat when we were out, I'd just find a private spot and pull out my handy, dandy nursing cover. It was really nice to go straight from breast milk to cow's milk in a sippy cup. I didn't have to worry about weaning her from formula or a bottle.
I am the same as most others who left comments. Anni is almost 11 months and we are still at it. After 6 months as well it slowed down and now she has started with some homo milk before bed. I think weanining shouldn't be too hard now because I only nurse her at night and a few times in the day. It has saved lots of $$$ to not have to buy formula and it has been a really nice bonding time, especially since 6 months and on because she is a pro at it now.
Good luck and do whatever you think will work for you and little Gracie!
Wow, breastfeeding is a hot topic. Look at all these comments! I love breastfeeding and so do my kids apparently. I b.fed Zina till 14mths and Wilson until 19mths. (He just would not give it up he loved it so much - can't blame him, I'm pretty sure I make some killer milk. :) Here are some websites that have some interesting info from the World Health Organization to Le Leche League. Good luck with your decision! I'm sure whatever you do will be just right for you.
http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en/
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020100.asp
http://www.llli.org/resources/assistance.html?m=0,0
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/
Wow that is a lot of good feed back. I breastfed Isabella till 6 months because at 6 months my body didn't produce anymore because I was pregnant. haha This time I plan to breast feed Isaac till he can drink milk. It is cheaper especially if he has any allergies. However what works for you is whats best. Breast feeding doesn't determine the kind of mother you are. I know you are a great mother and have lots going on so don't add to your stress if you don't need to. :)
By the way... why do you have to pump so much? I only pumped the first 2 weeks.
hi erin! this is kristy (from garrison creek ward & the ekins' neighbor) anyway! i just found your blog from jenn's blog.
i breastfed dallin for as long as i had milk which was 8 months and abby for almost 12 months. now that i have a third baby, i find it really, really hard to find time to pump and so it's super hard to leave olive with my husband. and sometimes i just need to get out of the house alone! i still want to breastfeed for one year if i can, but i've decided, since my milk supply is already established, to keep a can of formula on hand in case there is no breast milk in the freezer. that way i can leave the house even if i haven't pumped and my husband doesn't feel helpless.
good luck! i know it can be hard!
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